Overview & Reviews

These days, we've come to expect a lot from Infiniti. But in years past, the Japanese luxury brand actually struggled to find an audience. Only with the Infiniti G35 sport sedan did the company start to regain its footing after years in the red. At the time of its debut, the G35's refined styling and sporty performance made a loud statement.

There were two generations of the Infiniti G35, both built on the same platform as the Nissan 350Z sports car. The G35 distinguished itself in the entry-level luxury segment with a roomy cabin, plenty of performance and a respectable price. For those reasons, the rear-wheel-drive G35 was one of our editors' top recommendations for a sport sedan or coupe that was rewarding to own and drive. More recently, the G35 was replaced by the G37.

Most Recent Infiniti G35

There were two generations of the Infiniti G35 sedan, although the second generation is essentially the current G37 sedan with a smaller V6 engine. The G35 coupe lasted only one generation (meaning, same body style) before being replaced by the fully redesigned G37 coupe.

The most recent G35 sedan was completely redesigned for 2007. Changes included a stiffer body structure, revised chassis tuning for better handling, a more powerful V6 engine and a more voluptuous take on the previous G's styling. It was more or less the same size as the outgoing model, but the biggest improvement could be found inside, both ergonomically and aesthetically. Everything was better put together and materials were higher in quality. The 3.5-liter V6 engine produced 306 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard, but a six-speed manual came with the 6MT trim. We'd seriously recommend against this transmission (especially on 2007 models) as it was incredibly difficult to drive smoothly.

The sedan was available in five trims: a base model, Journey, x (indicated all-wheel drive), Sport and Sport 6MT. Most Infiniti G35 sedans will be of the Journey variety, which added items like dual-zone automatic climate control and a six-CD changer. The Sport trims were geared toward enthusiasts and featured 18-inch wheels and tires, a limited-slip differential, sport seats and aggressive tuning for the car's electronic stability system. A four-wheel active steering system was an option that's exclusive to the Sport trims, although we weren't fans of it.

Other than its engine, its name and few other detail changes, the G35 sedan became the G37 sedan for 2009.

Used Infiniti G35 Models

The original Infiniti G35 was introduced for 2003, and was produced in sedan form until 2006 and as a coupe until 2007. Originally, the sedan was available in one trim level until the all-wheel-drive model arrived for '04. The coupe could be had in base or Sport trim. The latter included a firmer suspension, a limited-slip differential and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Both sedan and coupe shared the same 3.5-liter V6, but the sedan originally made less power (260 hp with four doors, 280 with two doors). They were made even at 280 hp for 2005, and both models when equipped with the six-speed manual option got a boost to 298 hp. These horsepower numbers dropped to 293 and 275, respectively, for the '07 coupe because of a change in SAE testing procedures -- actual output did not, in fact, change.

Other than the myriad engine changes, there were other noteworthy updates made during the first-generation G35's lifetime. The sedan received a new hood, grille, bumpers, side sills and taillights for '05, although it was hardly a revolutionary aesthetic difference. The coupe remained mostly unchanged visually. Inside, though, both benefited from a redesigned instrument panel and improved manual transmission with a lower shifting effort. The coupe gained an optional rear-steer system for 2006, while its Sport Package gained a unique front fascia and a big rear spoiler. Bluetooth arrived on all Gs that year. While the G35 sedan was completely redesigned for '07, the coupe remained the same.

In our reviews, we were quite fond of the original generation Infiniti G35. The sedan was a bargain-priced alternative to the BMW 3 Series, while being a little less frantic and more comfortable than the second-generation G35 and current G37. The coupe was the more practical, livable alternative to Nissan's 350Z -- it was a sports car in luxury clothing. If there was one area of concern, it was an interior filled with several cheap surfaces and some unintuitive controls. Headroom was also quite limited in the coupe. One feature that was welcome, though, was the optional reclining rear seatbacks in the G35 sedan, which made it a top choice for backseat comfort.

User Reviews:

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  Wow! A true leap in engeneering - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By kring - May 7 - 11:00 pm

  This car has it all, its for the driving enthusiast who loves their car, even 2 years after purchase, it has a design built around performance and driving experience, yet still being a sedan for your everyday car. its the perfect compromise between performance & Luxury. Loaded with Technical gadgets

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  New Infiniti G35x Sedan! - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Pinehill - May 6 - 9:36 am

  This car is incredible, what an upgrade from a Toyota Camry - I have yet to hit the gas pedal and not be surprised by the responsiveness, everyone else on the highway is sitting still! Great interior, easy to use everything (nav system, climate control, etc.).

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  Paint is the only complaint! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By ducpilotst2 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  My G35 Coupe fits me like a glove. Always gets attention.

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  5000 miles and counting - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By somewhere in ohio - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Have just under 5000 miles. Reviewed it earlier and just doing an update. Reading other reviews most are spot on: great car but needs better interior. Gas mileage now as advertised. New it was not great. No problems except a very minor plasticky sound from back deck which Ill have fixed next time Im at dealer. Fast, handles great. Wish I had gotten 6 speed but dealer would not let me test and would not order without a $5K deposit.

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  Sold/gone after four months!!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Xg35 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I really wanted to like this car. I traded a BMW 325 after nine years. I never got comfortable driving the G35. There is nothing intuitive about the car. The cheesy interior, clunky cd changer, horrible instrumetation controls that all felt the same, and the awkward seat adjustments were just too much. It didnt look or feel like a luxury car. The paint job was inferior to its compeition. I liked the rear wheel drive platform. But the car just didnt feel right. Last week I traded it in and took a significant financial loss. I feel I made the right choice.

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  Excellent - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By erinc - May 2 - 10:00 am

  i love my car, definitely one of the best cars ive ever owned.

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  Lots o small problems - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By k oconnor - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive got to echo the 8/31 Kimmel review.I luv the look of the coupe,both int & ext.But for a car that doesnt have 5K miles,it has come with alot of irritating problems.I have brought the car in 3 times for the same rattling in the back speakers,which finally on the 3rd visit to the dealership,was resolved because there is no insulation between the "particle board" and the car body.Also have problems with the pwr windows,as there is a problem with air coming thru the top insulation of the door.I would say that Infiniti,due to the overwhelming demand for this model,cut corners,and rushed these cars out to the lots, improperly constructed.

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  Awesome Ride - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Mr-Bedlington - April 26 - 10:10 am

  My Infiniti G35x is the best car I have ever owned. I used to be a Turbo Volvo owner until I took out the Infiniti for a test drive. When I got back I bought the car! I have had it for 4 years and still love the car. It is very quick and responsive. I find it very, very comfortable (as do my passengers). The cost to own it is reasonable although it only get 20 mpg no matter how aggressive or easy I drive. I will always be an Infiniti owner....That should say it all!

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  G-tastic - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By M&M - April 26 - 3:33 am

  Have owned many European cars and if this does not scare them, I dont know what will. Car rockets from a stop jerking you into the seat for what seems to be a roller coaster ride. Rear seats are not really for a 6+ and if driver is 6+ only a small child can sit behind. Handles like a dream.

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  G35 Coupe - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By CBEtravel - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Balance, performance, style.. this car is almost flawless. What a beauty. It really looks to me like a modern roadster with some classic coupe-roadster flavor. The red coupe is by far the color that suits the car best. The right kind of wheels make the G a lovely lovely bird. The G35 coupe is just a step faster than a GT mustang w/out any hop ups, so she is definately not the fastest car on the road, BUT she does look like a piece of heaven driving down the street. The interior is very enticing and has about every comfort you could dream up. The seats wrap around you like a seductive temptress. I give the G35 an overal rating of a 9... ENCORE, ENCORE!